Sodium status is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational
Roya Kolahdouz-Mohammadi1, Sepideh Soltani2, Zachary Stephen Clayton3
1Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Purpose:
The relationship between sodium intake and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is inconsistent. We, therefore, aimed to summarize the current evidence by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Methods:
We retrieved studies which compared any marker of sodium status between individuals with T2DM and those without diabetes published in any language by searching online databases from inception up to June 2019. Summary effects were derived using random-effects model.
Results:
A total of 44 studies with 503,830 participants from 25 countries were included in this study. Sodium status was significantly different between individuals with and without T2DM (Hedges' g = 0.21; 95% CI 0.02, 0.40; P = 0.029). Individuals with T2DM had higher sodium intake compared to non-diabetic controls (WMD = 621.79 mg/day; 95% CI 321.53, 922.06; P < 0.001) and 24-h urinary excretion was associated with likelihood of developing T2DM (OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.15, 1.41; P < 0.001). Furthermore, salivary, hair, and platelet sodium were higher in patients with T2DM compared to controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
The findings of the current meta-analysis suggest that sodium levels are higher in patients with T2DM compared to non-diabetic controls; however, given that these studies are observational, it is not possible to infer causality.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer


